Birkenhead

An assessment of population growth drivers in Birkenhead reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Birkenhead's population is estimated at around 1,876 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 78 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,798 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,860 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,061 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 69.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is expected for Birkenhead (SA2), with an expected growth of 100 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Birkenhead recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Birkenhead recorded approximately 19 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 95 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new properties was $419,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, Birkenhead registered $4.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Birkenhead shows moderately higher new home approvals, 23.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

New building activity consists of 32.0% standalone homes and 68.0% attached dwellings, indicating a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is currently 88.0% houses. Birkenhead reflects a low-density area with around 106 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate that Birkenhead will gain approximately 95 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Birkenhead has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects were identified in the area by AreaSearch that could significantly impact its performance. Notable projects include Dock One, Our Port, Centre Street, Largs Bay, and the Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program. The following details these projects, focusing on those likely to have the most relevance.

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Employment conditions in Birkenhead demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Birkenhead has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. As of September 2025, 1,127 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 69.6%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and public administration & safety. Manufacturing is notably concentrated, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence, at 15.2% compared to 17.7% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 4.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Adelaide recorded similar trends with slightly lower growth rates. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years for Birkenhead, based on its current employment mix.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Birkenhead suburb has a median taxpayer income of $56,862 and an average of $67,180 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is comparable to national averages, differing from Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,866 (median) and $73,092 (average), accounting for an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 60th percentile ($858 weekly), while household income is at the 41st percentile. The earnings profile shows that 35.3% of individuals (662 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, mirroring surrounding regions where 31.8% fall into this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 41st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Birkenhead is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Birkenhead's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Birkenhead stood at 25.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (46.0%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,543, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $315, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Birkenhead's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Birkenhead features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.4% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 25.4% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.6%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

Birkenhead faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Birkenhead's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks, with 21.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the national average of 30.4%. The gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (14.1%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (27.6%).

A significant portion of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 23.1% engaged in it, including 7.5% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 4.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Birkenhead has nine active public transport stops currently operating. These are served by ten different bus routes that together facilitate 251 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 166 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Birkenhead is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Birkenhead faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~1,040 people), compared to 50.3% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues impact 10.3% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 66.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (313 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Birkenhead ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Birkenhead's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 83.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.5% being citizens, and 91.0% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Birkenhead is Christianity, comprising 37.6% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented, making up 0.9% compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (31.3%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (9.6%). Notably, Hungarian (0.4%) and German (5.1%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 4.5%, respectively. Welsh representation is also higher at 0.7% versus the region's 0.5%.

Birkenhead's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Birkenhead's median age is 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and closely matching Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Birkenhead has an over-representation of the 55-64 age cohort at 14.8% and an under-representation of the 5-14 age group at 9.2%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.1% to 4.3%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 13.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, Birkenhead's age profile is projected to significantly change. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 59%, adding 47 residents to reach 128. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 80% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups.